DEC's Division of Lands and Forests manages nearly five million acres of state land, including the Adirondack Forest Preserve, Catskill Forest Preserve, state forests, conservation easements, and other ecologically sensitive and/or unique areas. These lands are visited by millions of people each year who enjoy a wide range of recreational opportunities.
Maintaining State land for safe and sustainable use is a team effort. DEC enters into contracts with partners and other outdoor professionals who help manage and improve public lands through trail maintenance and similar stewardship activities. These contracts allow DEC to develop and maintain a quality, all-encompassing outdoor recreational experience, which encourages responsible use of New York State's wild lands and waters.
Below are annual reports from the past couple of years provided by the partners and professionals with which DEC holds contracts for trail and land management.
2023 - Trail Stewardship Contract Work Summary (PDF)
Full season reports
- Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewards (Adirondack Mountain Club) (PDF)
- Catskill Forest Preserve Stewards (New York/New Jersey Trail Conference) (PDF)
- Catskill Front Country Stewards (Catskill Center for Conservation and Development) (PDF)
- Natural Resource Stewards (Student Conservation Association) (PDF)
- Primitive Trail Maintenance and Development (Tahawus Trails) (PDF)
- Adirondack Youth Conservation Program (Student Conservation Association)
- Summer (PDF)
2022 - Full-season reports
- Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewards (Adirondack Mountain Club) (PDF)
- Catskill Forest Preserve Stewards (New York/New Jersey Trail Conference) (PDF)
- Primitive Trail Maintenance and Development (Tahawus Trails) (PDF)
- Route 73 Front Country Stewards (Adirondack Mountain Club) (PDF)
- Natural Resource Stewards (Student Conservation Association) (PDF)
- Adirondack Youth Conservation Program (Student Conservation Association)
- Summer (PDF)
- Winter 2022-2023 (PDF)
For older annual reports, please email [email protected]